Postpartum depression and breastfeeding in primary care in Krakow, Poland

Abstract

Purpose of Investigation: The aim of this study was to examine the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) and its relationship with confidence in breastfeeding (BF) in women under the care of general practitioners in Krakow. Materials and Methods: The study among Polish women was performed in seven primary care out-patient clinics in Krakow in 2015. Each participant completed a personal questionnaire which included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF). Results: The authors examined 273 women of which 13% of participants were at risk of developing PPD. Women who are more likely to develop PPD are less satisfied with their BF or do not feed their children naturally at all. There was a statistically significant correlation between the risk of developing PPD and mothers’ chronic diseases and occurrence of PPD after previous labours. Conclusion: After childbirth in women living in Krakow, the prevalence of the risk of PPD did not differ from other European countries and was higher in those with low BF self-efficacy scores.